Addressing poverty is not something that one organization or order of government can take on alone – it takes a truly collaborative effort.

At no time in the 70-year history of United Way in the Alberta Capital Region has the alignment been stronger to take a bold approach in addressing a problem as profound and pervasive as poverty.

United Way participated in discussions and provided input towards the Government of Alberta’s Social Policy Framework, helping guide collective efforts to meet the needs of Albertans. It provides decision-making tools to address social challenges and a foundation for evaluating progress in the province.

Along with the provincial framework, the government has made “helping children in need” one of its top priorities; with the Premier sharing a goal to eliminate child poverty within five years.

The City of Edmonton continues to make strides with the 10-Year Plan to End Homelessness. In the fall of 2012, The Edmonton Homeless Commission reported that the homeless count fell 30% since the peak of 2008, with numbers now at 2,174; a total of 907 less than in 2008.

Using United Way’s Community Impact Framework as a foundation, the City has extended its efforts by launching the development of the Edmonton Poverty Elimination Initiative. The collaboration on these efforts goes further, with United Way co-chairing the steering committee focused on this work.

Combined with the work United Way does directly with the many community and corporate supporters in the region, great strides are being made to meet the overwhelming desire to move forward with a bold vision and plan for our community.